8 miles easy / 1:15 / 9:22 avg pace (done on Wednesday night)
I saw this North Face sports bra on Tina’s blog a few months ago and had to have it. This is exactly what I was looking for; the solution to my RaceReady shorts. I wrote about my love (not really love, but practicality) for RaceReady shorts a few months ago and I got some flack about it. Yes, they are ugly but they hold everything!
I tested out this bra last Friday (on a 20-miler) and buh bye RaceReady shorts! It held 4 Shot Bloks perfectly and easily could have held 2 more (the exact amount that I carry for a marathon). The pouch (not sure what else to call it) is huge and even has a separate compartment for your key.
- The Shot Bloks didn’t move an inch; I hardly knew they were there.
- You can’t beat the accessibility…I mean they are right there!
- Did I look like I had a 3rd boob with all those Shot Bloks stuffed down my bra? Yes. Did I care? No. I do wear RaceReady shorts in public so you know I don’t care!
- Stuff gets pretty warm in that region so if you’re a fan of freezing your GUs, this may not be the best plan for you.
- The bra runs small. It’s intended for A/B cups (according to the description). If I ordered online I would have gotten a small (I’m not so well-endowed). Luckily I was near a North Face store and tried on the medium and it fit perfectly; a small would have been too small.
- I guess I should mention that it also does everything a sports bra should: supports, wicks, doesn’t chafe, etc.
I’m so, so happy with this bra! I can finally wear normal shorts for a marathon (Lululemon Willpower shorts, of course)!
I cut my Shot Bloks in half so I can eat 3 of them at a time (every 4 miles). It makes them easier to carry too.
Deep pouch:
I bought this bra myself and was not asked by North Face to do a review. However, I am willing and able to accept any products in exchange for a review 🙂
Kara says
Do you feel weird digging around in your bra and eating what you find in there? 🙂
This is why I love my trail running vest, I have pockets for everything!
Kristy says
Ha ha! Yes…and no!
Stephanie says
It is weird right to say I love u right. Found ur blog from health on the run with ur comment on mcm. I am running it this year, first marathon. Then I saw this post. I love north face running shorts and I have been looking for new bras I am way too exited! Thanks! Also I totally cut my shot blocks as well.
Briana says
WOW! This is amazing. I used to tuck my Gu’s in my cleav but would get chafing from the poke-y plastic edges = no bueno. But… only A/B cup?!? Shoot… I’m a C. Maybe I can make it work??
Thanks for the review!!
Kristy says
You can def make it work. I would give it a try. It’s really amazing. What took them so long to come up with this???
Jen says
what an awesome idea! love your review!
Alyssa says
Never heard of a bra carrying stuff – that is awesome though! I have super ugly shorts that I race in too, they look like bike shorts but they don’t chafe! I totally forgot you were in Philly – if I go back we can do a meetup! I would say we could have run together but let’s get serious, I could never keep up. Especially on this trip. I loved the row of trees leading up to the museum, so pretty.
always Training Trio says
Wow, that bra does look tempting. I want it. I am very impressed with the shot bloks insert…. very tempting. Thanks for the review!
-Jen
Amanda says
Nice review! Haven’t used it myself, but look up Gracie’s Gear! They have some funky sports bras with pockets. (I actually someone wearing one at my last half marathon). I got an ifitness belt (double pouch) to hold stuff on long runs. I refer to it as my fanny pack. I think I just figured I’d make fun of it myself before my husband got a chance to. My Camelbak handheld water bottle has a pocket that I can fit keys and 2 gu in.
Tiffany Godinez says
I am soooo looking for a good sports bra that hides the nips lol! I am a 34D though…is this no good for me?
Anna says
What a neat idea!! So, is this bra,,,,um, modest? =) That has been my only prob. with sports bras with non-molded cups is that ‘stuff’ shows thru =) I am also SUPER small (probably not even an ‘A’) but I still like to be modest =) i saw a pr of Race Ready shorts at a thrift store about a month ago and you’re right, they are UGLY!! But I love the concept. I may have to look into this sports bra more. Thanks for the review!
Kristy says
This bra is very modest. It comes up high (no cleavage) and it’s double-lined due to the pouch so nothing shows through. I think you would like it!
RAS says
My husband says it looks like a bullet proof vest. I WANT ONE!!! What’s it cost? Over $100?
Kristy says
Ha!! It’s $35 and well worth the money!!
RAS says
WHAT?#$#$% $35. What site did you buy it from? I need one!!! or TWO. My husband might want me to wear it daily so I can stash is kit kat bars and yorks peppermint patties. ;o)
Kristy says
I went to the NF store so I could try it on but you can order online. I need to get another one asap!